A View of the Nairobi-Nakuru highway in Lari Constituency, Nakuru
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The Kenyan counties of Nakuru, Makueni, and Kitui boast the longest road networks in the country, according to a recent inventory released by the Kenya Roads Board (KRB).
Nakuru leads with 14,505 kilometres of roads, followed by Makueni with 12,116 kilometres and Kitui with 11,957 kilometres. Together, these three counties account for 16.13% of Kenya's total 239,122 kilometres of road network. In contrast, Mombasa, Vihiga, and Lamu counties have the shortest road networks, with 1,099 kilometres, 1,281 kilometres, and 1,498 kilometres respectively. The KRB's inventory also reveals a 48% increase in Kenya's total road length over the past eight years, with 57,030 kilometres of national trunk roads and 182,092 kilometres of county roads.
However, this expansion has also placed significant budgetary pressures on the Kenyan government. A recent condition survey found that 30% of the road network is in poor condition and at risk of further deterioration without immediate interventions. An additional 46% are classified as being in fair condition, necessitating imminent upgrades. In the 2023/2024 financial year, the KRB disbursed approximately Sh71.68 billion for road maintenance, yet a financing gap of about Sh78.09 billion remains for necessary road improvement projects. In response to the growing road networks, the KRB has reviewed the country's road classification system and introduced new categories.
A notable addition is the Class S segment, comprising high-priority infrastructure such as the Nairobi Expressway, Nairobi Southern Bypass, Eldoret Southern Bypass, Dongo Kundu Bypass, and Miritini-Mwache-Kipevu Link Road. These new classifications are aimed at enhancing traffic flow and connectivity across the nation. The extensive road networks in Nakuru, Makueni, and Kitui present both opportunities and challenges. While they serve as crucial enablers of economic growth and regional development, the high costs of road repairs and the need for continuous funding to maintain these assets are persistent issues.